Brief intro to the WaterMan pilot measure
On the island of Bornholm, treated municipal wastewater from a wastewater treatment plant is purified using a slow sand filter (SSF) to make it suitable for the irrigation of agricultural land. An important component of this long-established filtration technology is what is referred to as a “biofilm”, a biological layer in the sand filter that contributes significantly to the reduction of microorganisms and the improvement of water quality. This layer must be removed, and the filter cleaned on a regular basis.
In certain terrains, the SSF does not require a pumping mechanism, which makes it an energy-efficient solution. In addition, the water can be distributed to neighbouring farms using simple, inexpensive plastic pipes.
- Type of pilot measure: Real-world testing
- Location: Svaneke, Bornholm island (Denmark)
- Water source: Treated municipal wastewater
- Type of treatment: Slow sand filter (SSF)
- Target water quality: Quality class D according to Directive (EU) 2020/741
- Utilisation: Irrigation of agricultural land in the immediate vicinity of the WWTP
- Return to natural cycle: Infiltration
- Responsible: BEOF – Bornholm’s Energy & Utility Co. A/S
- Operational & open for visitors: Since September 2024
Further information on the pilot measure
Technical-organisational concept (current status)
(pdf, 3,9MB)
Take a look at these slides for a concise overview of the current progress and results of this pilot measure.
The evolution of the concept (until today)
(pdf, 5,0 MB)
These slides document the progress of the pilot measure – including key considerations, recommendations, and decisions at each stage. Scroll through to follow the process chronologically, from the initial idea all the way to the current status.
“Simple Filter, Major Shift in Perspective“ - read the full story behind the pilot measure
A pilot project on Bornholm demonstrates how forward-looking water recycling for agricultural use can succeed with well-established technologies. Even more importantly, it has sparked significant momentum in Denmark’s national policy debate. Read more...
In-depth information on the pilot measure
Technical-organisational concept (current status)These slides provide a more detailed overview on the pilot measure.
The evolution of the concept (until today)These slides give an account of the work process behind the chosen technical-organisational concept, incl. considerations, recommendations and decisions taken at different stages. Scroll through the slides to chronologically follow the iterative “development journey” of the pilot measure step-by-step, from the initial idea to its present status!
